Lagos Protests Honor Lives Lost in Recent Disturbances
On Friday, protesters marched through Lagos’ streets in a candlelit procession to honor those slain in recent demonstrations.
The rallies, which featured the hashtag #Endbadgovernance, focused on Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, as well as allegations of resource mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s most populous nation.
Amnesty International reports that 22 protestors had been killed across six states throughout the demonstrations, citing witness and family testimony as well as the organization’s own verification.
Protesters demanded accountability for the killings during what they claimed were peaceful marches.
“All those responsible for the killings must be arrested and tried. “We are calling for a democratic public investigation into the killings and the nationwide clampdown,” said demonstrator Hassan Taiwo Soweto.
Despite the tremendous human cost, some claim the demonstrations were justified.
“By and large, it has been a success,” said protester Gideon Adeyeni to the Associated Press.
“We have, made our demands known, we have made our grievances known,” he goes on.
“However, none of our demands have been met. But, of course, the struggle will continue, and we will not give up until we achieve victory,” he says.
The cost-of-living crisis was fuelled by rising inflation, which is at a 28-year high, as well as the government’s economic policies aimed at increasing savings and attracting investment.
AP
